A finite element prediction model with variable element sizes
By: by R.G. Kelley, Jr. and R.T. Williams
Contributors: Williams, R. T., joint author; Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.); United States. Naval Environmental Prediction Research Facility
Publisher: Naval Postgraduate School
Published: 1976
Place of publication: Monterey, Calif
Language: eng
Number of pages: 109
Subjects: Mathematical models; Finite element method; Numerical weather forecasting; Cyclones
Description: There are a variety of meteorological forecast problems which require high spatial resolution in only a limited area. An important example of this type of problem is the prediction of tropical cyclones. This study tests a simple finite element prediction model with a variable element size. The shallow water equations are used and the motion is confined in a periodic channel on a f-plane. The Galerkin technique is applied to linear basis functions on triangular elements. The model uses leapfrog time differencing and periodic restarts. The model is tested with a wave imbedded in a mean flow and also with an isolated vortex. The experiments with a uniform element size show excellent phase propagation, but some small scale noise is generated. The introduction of momentum diffusion terms helps to control the noise. The model is also tested with elements which decrease abruptly in scale along a line with elements which decrease smoothly. Both of these cases generate more noise than with uniform elements. (Author)
Notes: "NPS-63Wu76101."

Technical report period: January-September 1976; prepared for Naval Environmental Prediction Research Facility, Monterey, Calif.

"October 1976."

"Prepared for: Naval Environmental Prediction Research Facility."

Includes bibliographical references (p. 102).

"Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited."

Technical report; 1976.